A CROSBY mum, whose ten children all learnt to read at the Carnegie Library, has urged Sefton Council to rethink its closure plans.

Sam Garner, 47, said her children, who range in age from 25 to five, have all benefited from the library on College Road.

Back in March, plans to close seven Sefton libraries, including one in Crosby, were controversially passed by councillors looking to cut £400,000 from the library service’s budget.

Sam said: “I came to the library with my mum and we would come weekly to get books because we couldn't really afford ones of our own.

“I have carried on the tradition with my own children and they love coming to the library.”

Sam, who is mum to Amy, 25, Scott, 23, Chloe, 20, Adam, 19, Elliott, 18, Sophie, 17, Briony, 16, Spencer, 11, Cassie, 8 and Charlotte, 5, said the library had provided her family with a lot more than just books over the years.

She said: “We don’t have a computer at home so we come in to use the ones here and one of my daughters has a visual impairment so she goes to the library to listen to the audio books.”

Eleven-year-old Spencer said the library had helped him with his school work.

He said: “I come here to do research for history projects I'm doing.

“The library has helped me with my vocabulary and it's helping me with my literature and everything else in school.”

Supporters of the historic building, which celebrated the 109th anniversary of its opening last week, are eager to come up with a rescue plan for the Carnegie after forming the Friends of Carnegie Library in response to the threat to its future.

Simon Jamieson, who is organising the campaign, said: “After the initial public meetings we have now formed a formal committee of six people and will be calling more public meetings shortly.

“One idea is for the library to become an information centre.

“There are lots of things around Crosby like the Iron Men and where do you go to find out information about them?”

Despite the future looking bleak for the library, Simon remains positive that whatever happens the Carnegie will survive.

He said: “If the closure decision goes against us, we have a lot of business people involved in this group and we will not let it close if we can help it.

“We will find the money, step in and work with the council.

“They have already met with us and we will make sure this facility stays here for future generations.”

Campaign Director, Professor Tom Solomon, added: “This library is part of our history. It's part of the fabric of the local community and has been here for generations.

“It would be a tragedy if it were to close.”

Friends of Carnegie Library are on the look out for a treasurer and someone with web building skills.

If you can help, or for more information on the campaign, email: CarnegieCrosby@yahoo.co.uk